Mark Rutte, who took over the helm of NATO earlier this month, said that the alliance will 'do whatever is necessary' to address any threats and also pledged continued support for Ukraine.
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Recently appointed NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reaffirmed on Wednesday that the alliance is “ready” to protect its territory and make further investments in its defence.
“NATO stands ready to confront any enemy, any adversary who tries to attack us now and in the future,” he said.
He added that NATO will “do whatever is necessary” against any future attacks.
The alliance will continue its support for Ukraine against Russia following their full-scale invasion in 2022 as a top priority, Rutte also stated.
His comments come days after a group of German intelligence officials warned on Monday that Russia’s “aggressive actions” within the conflict had the potential to spill out into NATO countries.
German Federal Intelligence Service President Bruno Kahl said Russian President Vladimir Putin “declared his enemy long ago” and that “direct military conflict with NATO (is) becoming an option for Russia.”
Rutte took the reins of NATO earlier this month, replacing long-time leader Jens Stoltenberg.
He will host his first Defence Ministers meeting in Brussels on Thursday.